Metalworking apparatus



sept. s, 1949; s. w. HAYES 2,481,421

METALWORKING APPARATUS 5 sheets-sheet 1 Filed Dec. 28, 1943 Sept. 6,1949. s w HAYES 2,481,421

METALWORKING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 2e, 1943 5 sheets-sheet 2 S. W. HAYESMETALWORKING APPARATUS Sept. 6, 1949)*a Filed Dec. 28, 1943 5Sheets-Sheet 3 am 7%@ j a@ SePf- 6, 1949)u s.V w. HAYES METALWORKINGAPPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 28, 1943 SePt- 6 1949@ s. w. HAYESMETALwoRKING APPARATUS 5 sheets-sheet 5 Filed Dec. 28, 1943 PatentedSept. 6, 1949 METALWORKING APPARATUS Stanley W. Hayes, Richmond, Ind.,assignor to Hayes Track Appliance Company, Richmond, Ind., a corporationof Indiana Application December 28, 1943, Serial No. 515,937

(Cl. 26S-23) 4 Claims.

The present invention relates to metal working apparatus and its primaryobject is the provision of a new and improved metal working machine, andparticularly a new and improved straight line torch cutting machine.

In the past, most of the straight line cutting :machines comprised asmall, motor operated torch supporting carriage movable on a track onthe work. Machines of this character are not adapted for cutting platesother than big ones, whereas an advantage of the apparatus of thepresent invention is that it can be used to cut up small pieces,` suchas scrap, whenever straight line :cuts are desired.

Pantograph machines have sometimes been used, but these have thedisadvantage that it is necessary manually to guide the tracing wheel.As compared with machines of this characters, the apparatus of thepresent invention is simpler to construct and easier to operate; evenwhen made of sufficient length to cut long straight lines, it will nothave unwieldy dimensions as would the pantograph machine.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedmetal working apparatus which is heavy enough to be firm but lightenough to be moved about easily When and if required, and, furthermore,an apparatus which is sturdy and wherein needed repairs can be madequickly and with little expense.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved metal working apparatus, in-cluding a movable carriage, whichmay be selectively clutched to, or released from, driving means andwhich is light so that it may be moved back and forth readily. In theapparatus of the present invention the carriage supports one or moretorches although it is contemplated that the carriage could support thework for movement relative to a fixed torch. The carriage of theinvention is so light and so readily moved that it can be moved back andforth with one linger.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved metal working apparatus, including a movable carriage which isadapted to be moved by clutching it to an endless cable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved apparatus of the character specified in the preceding paragraphwherein the clutch is of a simplified construction and comprises a firstclutch jaw secured to the under side of the carriage, a second clutchjaw ally connected to the carriage, and a lever operable cam pivoted tothe carriage to move the second clutch jaw into and out of cablegripping position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved apparatus of the type specified wherein vthe cable engagingportions of the clutch are made of hard wood.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a metal workingapparatus with a new and improved drive and support therefor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a metal workingapparatus of the type including a movable carriage with an improvedclutch arrangement, whereby the carriage may be readily and selectivelyclutched to driving means associated therewith.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description, in the course of which referenceis had to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective viewl of the apparatus of the present inventionviewed from the front and one end;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged end elevational View of the apparatusshown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 3 and 3A are fragmentary plan views of the apparatus, the twoviews together illustrating the important details of the entireapparatus;

Figs. 4 and 4A are fragmentary front elevational `views of theapparatus, Fig. 4A being partly broken away to illustrate details ofconstruction with greater particularity;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary end elevational view, upon an enlarged scale, ofthe movable carriage;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the movable carriage;

Fig, '7 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken along the line 1-1of Figs. 3 and 6;

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the carriage supportingand' guiding means, the view being taken along the line 8 8 of Fig, 3

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan View, partly sectional in character, takenalong the line 9 9 of Fig. 8; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line Ill- I0 ofFig. 3 and illustrating details of construction of the clutch mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1, it may benoted that the metal working apparatus of the present invention is acutting apparatus of the .type employing a torch i0 supplied withcombustible medium through the flexible conduits I2. The apparatusincludes a positioned below the first Yclutch jaw and pivotstationarysupport I4 and atorch supporting carerably made of cold rolledshafti-iflg; seenredl as i by Welding to the upwardly. extending flanges2 6 of a ship building channel28, sl-.ll'lported.' inv horizontalposition upon four legs 30 which are suit-Y a pair of relatively longstuds 80 movable intoV adjusted positions relative to the stationarysupport. The studs 80 extend through pairs of spaced apart transverselugs 82 secured to the ilanges 26 of 'the channela28 and each of theYstuds is held in adjusted position by a pair of locking nuts Malocateclaatropposite. sides of one of the pairs ofi lugs 32e It i-'s a relativelysimple matter to place the required tension en the endless cable 20.

It should be noted that, if desired,` the supporting'arm 60 for theother 'pulley- 51|- might also be made adjustable lengthwise. ofthejstationary support.

'isI

ably braced relative to the channel vby bracesfl. The legs and bracesmay ble-welded to'eaen other and to the transverse portion of thechannel 28,;Y

thereby to provide a simple and sturdy supporting frame for theapptratus.k Y I'f desired, an H beam eou'ld be u'sed' i place'lftheelianel.

The torch 'suppfifting carriage I6' i'sv lnovably niunted triestationary support andspeeieally upon the shaftingrzhwhichtthusconstitute Y Ways fo' the eaage".` VInftfle ernbdhet of tbeinventionillustrated, thel earr'iage `supports trie 'toren' nlbutl,itsbould be understood tliat many of the pliilef the present inventionmay be embodied in an appaats tv'her'ein the tICIl is fxdand the iSlhted -OIitlie carriage for movement With respect, to the torch.Furthermore, a plurality of torches `tan be mounted upon tbe earriage..Y i Tue toren m' rs seeured to a toren supnortrndicated g'frielall 'bythe ieie haacte 34 the disclosure of my Patent' No. 2,317,526', grantedApril 27,1943), whereby the toren may be readily seeured inyariouspositions. 'rlle'toreri support is mounted upon 'an' an 36angularlyad'justable relative to the movable'c'ari'ia efB; The angularadjustment is provided by pyetally inojunting a lug as, seeured 'te oneendet' the arinsuubon a pair of upright ears 40 suitably 'S'eeured as bywelding. tothe upper side of' a generally T-'sna'ped carriageonass'is'llz". y The arm is. 'seoured in. adjust-,eu ypositions by ,ofa'bblt 44 passing through' the lug andfubriglit ears. j

Trie endless eablezpby which tile movable carriage isprebelled'througri'the variable speed driving means l'a isseeured`tetbefraide in. sueb manner that 'the vtension .thereof may be readilyadjusted.. The eable 'is mounted onta pair of -pulleys'l 511A-'and 5 2,the latterof lfl'vh'i'eh is adjust-Y able relative to the. former and tothe station-ary support. v Pulley 50 is V'flfxedl'yseen-regi to a driveshaft 54 journaledfor rotation in a Ipair of" spaced apartbearingsA 56yand -58' suitably-'secured to the Yupright flanges Y26 oi vthe channel2'8 as. bysupporting. 'arms 6'0`to which the bearings. are secured as byWelding, i'r'l'tu-rn Yseel'lr'edto the flanges by a lplurality of bolts62, y, The'pulley 50" is located betvveel'lv the lbearing'gs.y 5El ald,While aplurality of different'diameter pulleys si, 'ss-.anden aresecured to the end ofthe shaft 54 projecting'beyond the bearing 5U."Undesjed eil'WSe inovenhtof the shaft 54 is prevented by collars T0secured to its opposite lids'.

The adjustable pulley ismeunted on a shaft I2V journaled yfor"rotationin a pair of bearings 14. VThe bearings 154 are secured as by welding eto theupperends of'a pai-r of .uprights 1'6 Seeured turn to ahorizontal- S.ppotngl plate T8. adistably mounted; relative to the`stationary sftpport 'Il The plate 'l'l islred' to the ends of Thecable-Zlisf preferably a steel cable having itsvv ends splicedI andso1deredbut it could be a perforated steel ribbon, a link belt chain, orthe and 94 mounted upon amel/able eountershaft' 96 provldedufit'n aikeyway 98 and driven by yan electric motor |00 through speed reducer |02and the pulleys |06 and; |106, the latterv ofiwliich is xedly securedtotheV countersha'ftl 06'.Y e

The driving meansis mounted upon abase. plate Hi8 Ysecured' to thestationary support l@ a plurality 3) ofdotvnwardly extending, supportsH0, to the lower endstewllich i'sY secured' `a mounting plate |l'2' to`Wliih` the base i'l'late'V |08 is secured by a plurality ofk bolts |'|4.The ,countershaft 96 is supported on .the base plate |08`k So that itmay be angularly .adjusted relative thereto; The eountersllaft support,is supported` by lneans including a. pair of. upwardly extending lugsllt', across whl'eh extends a shaftlls pvot-V ally supporting a pair ofyarms |20 to the outer countershaft assetlnbl'y, the supporti-ng arms|720 l are interco'ni'iected also by e. cross piece |28'. A

The threey 'pulleys mounted on thee'ndless belt drive shafzt 54 andrupon the'countershaft Q-.vmay

be variously interconnected by a belt |30, illusbelts Working ensprockets could be utlzed'so as t0 provide 'a I'lOr'p'SltiV-i ClfVeviitlillt.In'all.-r taining the belts` tightJIhe tpulleys lllilY and losare interconnected a similar v-beltv lez through 'which theco'uter'sllaft. isY driven at a lejonstant speed by the motor and speedreducer. The motor may bea. 1750 R. n; 174 me. motor 'and the Speed'dlib'i may have reduction of 900 t 1.

The motor lillarv and 'speed redueer tutelare mounted on ya separatebase plate |341 secured, :as by a plurality of bolts,l to the'main `baseplate |08. The motor andi' speed reducer are inter-` connected through a'fl'elible couplilflgi361,and the speed reducer 4.pulley nlaresmilarlyconnected through another ilei'iibl. couplingalt. The pulley |04 isjournaledV for rotation in a relatively long bearing 1,40 mountedupon-an upwardly extending lug H2 secured, 'to .thelioase plate lsl. Y'I'heirflbvable ear' iVl 'fettll'esV ,llsl'lrlllg 4tS nd.1110i?rillif.,v Itl-ihlud''s flefipvlsl lef'id e it neludes abuinber offtorch carrying arm 36 is adjustably mounted. To provide the necessaryaccurate horizontal support, the chassis has secured to it three wheelsadapted to bear on the upper surfaces of the tracks 24 Two lof thewheels |44 are located at that side of `the apparatus whereat the arm 36and torch are located, while the third wheel |416 is located-at theopposite side. To prevent tipping and to insure accurate movement of thecarriage on the track, a pair of wheels |48 are provided to bear againstthe ver-tica1 front surface of the front track 24, a pair of wheels |50are locat-ed to bear against the rear horizontal side of the same track,and a single wheel |52 is provided to bear against the underside of therear track 24.

The wheels may be made in any suitable manner but it is preferred thateach wheel be provided with an inner bronze bushing |54, as illustratedin conjunction with wheel |52 in Fig. 5, so that the wheel may rotatefreely relative to its supporting shaft or pin.

The wheels |44 are supported by `pins |56 ex,- tending through a `pairof spaced apart lugs |58 between which the wheels are located and whichare secured to the transverse portion of the T- shaped chassis member42. The pins may be retained in place by suitable means such as cotterpins illustrated but which have not been numbered.

The wheel |46 is similarly secured to the chassis by a pin |60 extendingthrough a pair of lugs |62 secured to the end of the chassis oppositethe transverse portion.

The wheels |48 and |50 are secured to opposite transverse projections|64 of the cross bar -of the T-chassis, as best illustrated in Figs. 3and 8. The wheel |50 is secured to the chassis by a downwardly extendingstud |66 having an enlarged central :portion between which and a eollar|168 the wheel |50 is mounted.

The wheel |54 is so mounted on the chassis that its .position can beadjusted relative rto the way, i. e., the axis of rotation of the wheel|48 may be adjusted relative to the axis of the way 24, thereby toinsure accurate movement yof the carriage. The wheel is mounted upon astud having a central enlarged portion |12 between which and a collar|14 the wheel is rotatably mounted. 'Ihe stud includes a threaded upperportion |16 which is offset relative to the intermediate portion, asbest illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, so `that .upon loosening of nut |18the stud may be rotated to vary the position of roller |48 relative tothe way 24.

The wheel |52 located underneath the rear way 24 is mounted upon a stud|80 similar to stud |66 but removably attached to Ia 4bracket |82 by anut |84. The wheel |52 is adjustable vertically so that accuracy ofengagement with the Way 24 is provided. The -adjustability is Iprovidedby an arrangement enabling bracket |82 to be moved vertically relativeto the chassis 42. This arrangement includes enlarged apertures |86 nearthe u-pper end of the bracket through which extend a pair of studs |88secured to a smally plate |90 secured to the rear end of the chassis 42.

The carriage is adapted selectively to be connected to the endless beltby clutch mechanism 22 which is best illustrated in Figs. 5 :and 10, towhich reference is now had. The clutch mechanism includes a pair of jawmembers 200 and 202 between which the cable may be gripped, as shown inFig. 10. The jaw 200 is xedly secured to 'the underside of the chassismember 42 and the jaw 202 is fxedly secured to a pivotally mountedsupporting arm 204. The arm 204 is pivotally supported by a structureincluding a pin 206 and a pair of lugs 208 secured to o-pposite sides ofthe chassis member 42.

The clutch jaws 200 and 202 are preferably made of hard wood and securedby screw bolts (not shown) to the chassis and supporting arm,respectively. The use of wood results in less wear -on the cable. Ifdesired, only a facing of wood could be used, or bre -or soft metal suchas lead could be used.

The clutch is adapted selectively to be clutched and declutched by apivotally movable cam 2|0 engageable with the jaw mounting member 204.The cam is iixedly secured to a shaft 2 I2 pivotally mounted upon a pairof lugs 2 I4 extending downwardly from and secured to opposite sides ofthe chassis lmember 42. An operating lever 2|6 is secured to one end ofthe shaft 2|2 so that an operator may readily effect the engagement anddisengagement of the clutch jaws with the endless cable.

In order to stop the carriage when it has been moved in cuttingdirection to a predetermined point, the carriage is adapted to open aswitch 220 controlling energization of the motor. The switch is actuallyoperated by an arm 222 secured .to thecarriage and projecting downwardlyto engage rthe switch operating lever. Stops 224 are located at oppositeends of the track as a precautionary measure to prevent accidentalmovement of the carri-age from the track when it is moved by hand orpower. If the carriage is being moved under power and strikes a stop,the clutch 22 slips so that damage is avoided.

From the foregoing detailed description of the apparatus, it may benoted that the apparatus may be constructed readily and economically,and while heavy enough to be rm it is still light enough to be movedabout easily, although this is rarely necessary except for some specialjob. It can be utilized to cut up large plates as well as scrap andsmaller pieces, wherever straight line cuts are desired. Even when madeof a length to make exceptionally long cuts the machine will not be ofunwieldy dimensions.

The movable .carriage is light and when the clutchis released to releasethe carriage from the cable, the latter can be moved back and forth withone finger. Not only is the carriage light but it is accurately guidedby the tracks and the rollers in engagement therewith. Furthermore, theconstruction is such that the rollers may be adjusted to secure accuratemovement of the vcarriage even after wear has taken place,

In making a cut, the carriage is preferably initially located at theright end of the support, as viewed in Fig. 1, in which gure thecarriage is shown at an intermediate position. Assuming that the workhas been properly located and the torch l0 properly adjusted relative toit, then the clutch operating lever 2|6 is operated to effect engagementof the clutch jaws 280 and 202 with the endless cable 20. The motor |00may or may not be operating at this time. 1f it is not, the switch 220is closed as may be some other motor controlling switch, such forexample as a reversing switch (not shown), to place the motor intooperation. Thereafter, the carriage is moved at a speed determined bythe setting of the belt |30 interconnecting the endless belt drive shaft54 and the countershaft 96, which it may be remembered is driven at aconst/ant speed through the speed reducer |02,

7 The movable carriageandtorcli-are movedina straight line at a'speeddetermined in advance and dependent upon the nature of tile Cnt to' bemade. After the carriagel'ias beeiistarted in motion, it moves until theout iscompletd, wlienan op'oraison-" may` deenergie the motor. Iidesired,

Y the Work could be soarranged that the cut w'oild Sary is that thecountershaft 9B beY los'rd'by release of the Wing nut 26.' 'lhebeltvvl3l`is thus loosened so that its position may bechang'ed; v In order tomaintain the desired tens'on of tlieendless belt, the position ofpulley' 52" may be adjusted by loosening the nutsV 84 so thatv the studs80`may bemoved.

The three-point rolling supportl of the movable carriage insuresaccurate'guiding thereof by the horizontal top portions ofv thetira'oksl,A Tire pairs of rollers`l48 and [5U engaging' oppositevertical portions of the front track 24: insure accurate horizontalmovement and'tlierollers H6 and |52 engaging the'top and bottomportiosof the'rear track 24 insure accurate'verticalmovement of thecarriage.

While a single embodiment ofthe Vinventionhas been illustrated, it iscontemplated thatjvai'ious modiiications may beV made thereinwithutj'departing from the principles ofj the present'invenj tion. Itshouldbe understood, tlierefore, that the details of the illustratedembodimentfof the invention are not to'be intended to'bev limitative oi'the invention exceptV insofar asset forth in the accompanying claims.

Having thus described my invention, what Ide' sire to' secure by UnitedStates' LettersPatentis as follows:

1. In a metal WorkingK apparatus, thecombinaf tion ofaj'lon'gitudinal'stationary support including; a pair of uprightportions interconnted'by a lower transverse portion, an endlessjc bleportedbetween said upright porti0ns"`an a saidj transverseV portion, aYm oval;rl"e carriage 'supe ported' above saidI cable by said uprightrtions', clutch means disenga'gea'bl'y 'A en said cable and said'carriage; means for: d v g' said cable and connected thereto andincluding' a motor, `a speed reducer and acounter'shaftgj rid. meansdepending from said support for'supp t' ing 'said' cable driving meansatV onefendp'f and below' said supp.ort, said' last mentioned me'including astationary base plate, a'irst auxiliary supporting platemounting' saidf'motor andsaid speed reducer and mounted on saidstationary base plate, and ai second auxiliary supporting 'r'stmeritiorieaoiiitoii jauge marmanyoperaioie leverN ypivoted to saidchassis below saidseeond clutch vja'vv, and ca rn means'engagieablWitlifsaid second mentioned' croi-'onderw -piizotee to said chassisbelow said second oiiitcri 'jam-soie can means being roiaiabieiby' saidlever sonner said second clutch jaw may be moved intoiaiid'o'ut of cablegripping position lbyactuatdiiV of Said lever.'

3. Apparatus as eleiinei' iii oleiin 2l wherein the cable engagingportions .of said-clinch jaws ar'JInd' of'hardrviodl` Y Y 4, In a metalWorking apparatus, the f'oinlf-ii1'ia` tion including, asupportcomprising' rail structure extending iii o predetermineddirection; e carriage mountedY for" Irioieinent onv said rail structure,means 'inoludiig'anendless' cable drive movable iengihivise o f saidrail Stroe-tere for moving s'aid'oarriage, andl` means' including atwo-position clutch for selectivelyand'disengaef ably connecting saidcarriage to said endless drive, said meanscomprisinga fruitori jawsecored to the u ndersideof sai-dfoarriage, second clutch javhpivotallySecured to' Said carriage and positioned below said rst mentionedclutcii jaw and adapted to grip the cablev be' en it and Said firstmentioned clutchA jaw", af: manually operab'le`- lever, means pivotallyconnecting' said lever to said carriagibelotv said secondcluteh J' aW,Whereby thelever is movable tra svrsely of the rail structure, and carrimeans engageable wi th said ,secon d` mentioned clutchjjaiif pivdted torsaid carriage bel- OW said" second" cll'itf'zli'v jaw, saidcanr'meansbeing rotatable bjfsaid lever so that said second clutch jaw n and outofcable gripping" pos ion by actuation REFERENCE-s ori-*nn* Thevfi'illow'i'n'g referenmfes-` are fof record tlie.

